About Phi U - Facts & Traditions

Phi U's Creed

To members of Phi Upsilon Omicron, the trust is given to keep undimmed within our lives, the circle's light. It is our privilege to carry forth this light of friendship and service to shine in countless human lives the world around.

In so doing we shall find each member made stronger, the meaning of our honor society deepened, and in our chapter, a warmth which comforts, strengthens, and inspires us all.

The honor society name, Phi Upsilon Omicron, originated from the initial letters of the first, second, and last words of the Greek phrase which means "The Light of the Home (House)."

The official publication of our honor society is The Candle, published semi-annually in the spring and fall. It is a tangible tie that binds all chapters together, and all chapters are expected to cooperate with the Editor by supplying copy as requested. For those interested in writing, there is an award for excellence in writing. As part of your initiation fee, you will receive a subscription to The Candle. It is your responsibility to submit any change of address or name to the Executive Director.

The Phi U bookmark is violet, gold, and cream, representing the Phi U colors. The gold is a form of yellow symbolizing light, the cream for the white of honor and integrity, and the violet for our flower, the violet. The candles at the top and bottom also symbolize light, as does the candle on our pin. The miniature house suggests the home and the conventionalized flower, the violet.

The crest consists of a shield. In the chief are two charges, one of which is a castle, indicative of the home; the other is a pelican with its young, symbolic of the family. In the base is the horn of plenty, representing the nutrition of home, community, and world. On the scroll above the coat-of-arms is the name of the honor society, Phi Upsilon Omicron, in Greek letters.

Songs of Phi Upsilon Omicron

Phi Upsilon Omicron, an honor society in the integrated field of family and consumer sciences, offers an environment empowering lifelong learning, leadership building, and ethical and scholastic excellence. It has over 95,000 members.

Phi Upsilon Omicron is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.